Cab okays pact to help India-Myanmar border crossing

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an agreement to facilitate border crossing between India and Myanmar. The agreement will facilitate regulation and harmonization of already existing free movement rights for people residing in the border areas of both countries.

“It will also facilitate movement of people on the basis of valid passports and visas which will enhance economic and social interaction between the two countries,” said an official statement.

The pact is an enabling arrangement for movement of people across the India-Myanmar border. “It is expected to provide connectivity and enhance interaction of the people of North Eastern States of India with the people of Myanmar,” it said.

“The agreement would give a boost to the economy of NE and allow us to leverage our geographical connections with Myanmar to boost trade and people-to-people ties,” said the statement.

The agreement will also safeguard the traditional rights of the largely tribal communities residing along the border which are accustomed to free movement across the land border.

It may be recalled that Nagaland chief minister T. R Zeliang had also urged the Centre, on January 18, 2017, to ask Myanmar to stop border fencing in the Noklak area of Tuensang district as it would adversely affect free movement and the traditional land-holding system of the area.